The companies will use BridGene's proprietary isobaric mass tagged affinity characterization (IMTAC) chemoproteomics platform to identify targets and small-molecule drug candidates for Takeda to pursue into clinical development. BridGene's chemoproteomics platform can identify small-molecule interactions with a wide variety of proteins in cells to discover drug candidates for hard-to-drug targets.

Under the partnership, BridGene will receive an upfront payment of an undisclosed amount for access to its IMTAC technology. For any validated targets selected by Takeda, Takeda will receive an exclusive license to research, develop, and commercialize candidates that result from the research programs. BridGene will then be eligible to receive preclinical, clinical, and commercial milestone payments that could exceed $500 million, as well as royalties from future sales of commercialized drugs.

This collaboration expands on a previous pilot program between the companies in 2020. The new partnership includes an initial research program focused on identifying targets that contribute to a disease phenotype associated with a neurodegenerative disease and is modifiable by small molecules in a phenotypic screen.